This ancient drama refuses to be forgotten. Perhaps it is better that way.
The former acting MD of NDDC, Joy Nunieh, in 2020, shocked Nigeria when she accused the then Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment. Her accusation was direct and searing. She said that she slapped Mr. Akpabio so as to ward off his advances.
The matter was revived by civil society activist Mr. Teddy Onyejuwe, who issued a statement full of fire calling for accountability. He described Akpabio’s continued existence in national leadership as “an insult to every woman who has ever suffered harassment and fought back.”
Nunieh’s account has not deviated. She says the incident took place in Akpabio’s guest house in Abuja. “I am the only woman who slapped Akpabio,” she said in an interview back in 2020. “He tried to harass me; I resisted him.”
Akpabio denied all allegations made against him, claiming that they were founded on political vendetta. On the other hand, many say that the truth lies in the essence of Nunieh speaking up — and against all odds.
The more normative point is systemic: Nigeria is rife with stories of women in power being either pressured, threatened, or used as pawns. Rare is when one stands up for herself, and rarer is when she is given credence and protection.
“The case cannot be swept under the carpet if Nigeria wants to be serious about justice and in the defense of women’s rights,” articulated Mr. Onyejuwe.
our alive. Accountability. Loyalty. Unity.”
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